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Calistoga is at the north end of the Napa Valley in the Bay Area region of California. Calistoga was founded as a hot springs resort in the 1860's by Sam Brannan, California's first millionaire, and has long been a destination for its natural hot springs and mineral water and their supposed health benefits. Its position at the north end of the Napa Valley also makes it a gateway to Sonoma County wine country. Calistoga is a visitor's destination that celebrates being different - franchise fast food is against the law (really!) and healthy hedonists are celebrated. Go wine tasting, have a fabulous dinner, then take a bike ride and have a mud bath before you leave.

At least since the 1700s, Calistoga's distinguishing characteristic has been its hot springs, used initially by the native Wappo for medicinal purposes. After the time of Spanish missions and Mexican ranchos, Samuel Brannan bought 2000 acres, founding Calistoga and starting the Indian Springs resort. The resort eventually went into the hands of Doctor John Wilkinson, the founder of the spa industry.

Due to the spa industry, the California wine boom of the 1970s (which Calistoga is responsible for through Chateau Montelena Winery's surprise Chardonnay win at the 1976 French blind tasting,) the ensuing tourism, and the proximity to San Francisco (which in turn has fueled more tourism,) Calistoga, like the rest of the Napa Valley, has maintained very high property value which has increased the cost of living and essentially the price of everything from coffee to gasoline.

Calistoga is a very small town, with most of the shops and restaurants on two crossing streets, Lincoln Avenue and Washington Street. Walking is the best way to explore the town.

Bicycles are another good option, especially for those wishing to visit the wineries and other attractions a little farther from the center of town. Bicycles can be rented at The Calistoga Bike Shop [33], which also dispenses tips and route advice. The Bike Shop can also arrange "Calistoga Cool Wine" tours, with arrangements for the shop to pick up and deliver any purchased wine, so the bicyclist is not weighted down.

A relatively new bike path connects the eastern end of Washington Street to Dunaweal Lane, providing easy, car-free access from the center of town to several wineries, including Sterling, Twomey, Clos Pegase, Paoletti and Cuvaison.

Old Faithful Geyser, 1299 Tubbs Lane, ☎ +1 707 942-6463, [34]. 9AM-6PM daily. Named after the far larger geyser in Yellowstone National Park, this geyser puts on a good show every 10-15 min. Bring a lunch and have a picnic while waiting for the show to start. $10 adult, $3, 6-12 years old, free for under 6 years old.

Petrified Forest, 4100 Petrified Forest Rd (off Highway 29 south of Calistoga, then a few miles west along Petrified Forest Ro) [35]. 9AM-7PM (9AM-5PM in winter). Big-old honking redwood trees which were petrified after being covered by ash from a nearby volcano. You will never see a bigger petrified tree anywhere. Adults $8, Children 6-11 $3.

Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, 3801 St. Helena Highway North, (Highway 29), ☎+ 1 707 942-4575, [37]. Hiking or horseback riding (see below) through redwoods on 10 miles of trails in over one hundred acres including Ritchey Canyon. Also ruins of Napa Valley's first church and a pioneer graveyard with the graves of some of the Donner Party. Swimming pool (extra fee). Day use $5/car.

In addition to the businesses below, many of the local resorts also offer spas.

Lavender Hill Spa, 1015 Foothill Blvd. (HWY 29), ☎+1 707 942-4495, [1]. Beautiful garden grounds with full spa packages perfect for couples on a romantic vacation. Check their website for specials, they often have discounts of gift cards that can be printed in advanced and used for treatments.edit

Sterling Vineyards, 1111 Dunaweal Ln, ☎Toll free: 1 800 726-6136, [5]. 10:30AM-4:30PM. View the Napa Valley from high above on the aerial tram that delivers you to the Sterling Vineyard tasting room; $15 and includes tasting of 4-5 wines and a self-guided tour for 21+ and $3 for under 21. Pay a little extra and taste the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlots from single vineyards and other premium wines. Great place for those traveling with their whole family. Great Cabernets, too.edit

Vincent Arroyo Winery, 2361 Greenwood Av., ☎+1 707 942-6995, [7]. Daily 10AM-4:30PM. Their wines can only be bought through the winery and usually sell out before the grapes are picked. Big red wines, especially Petite Sirah.edit

Ca'toga Galleria D'Arte, 1206 Cedar St, 942-3900, [39]. Wed-Mon. This gallery features ceramic, tile, sculpture and painted artwork and home furnishings by artist Carlo Marchiori, whose extensive historic murals can be seen in public locations and in stores and restaurants all over Calistoga.

Palisades Deli Cafe, 1486 Lincoln Ave, ☎+1 707 842-0145. Offers take-out sandwiches and prepared food as well as on-site dining. Take-out from either place can be taken to any of Calistoga's parks, where consumption of beer and wine is also permitted. Both may be purchased at Cal-Mart, or at any number of wine stores or wineries in and around Calistoga. Note, however, that open containers of alcoholic beverages are not allowed on city streets--only within the parks.edit

Calistoga has more bars per capita than any other Napa Valley city, and may even have more than the City of Napa itself.

The Calistoga Inn, 1250 Lincoln Ave, ☎ +1 707 942-4101, [43]. The Inn houses Napa Valley Brewing, which produces 4 beers as well as seasonal offerings, and a full pub-style bar, as well as a restaurant and lodging. Weather permitting there is also a back bar and beer garden along the Napa River, with picnic tables and horseshoe pitches. The Inn features live music nightly.

Hydro Bar & Grill, 1403 Lincoln Ave, ☎ +1 707 942-9777. The Hydro features an extensive offering of specialty beers and top-shelf liquors. Hydro serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and features live music on the weekends.

Barolo, 1457 Lincoln Ave, ☎ +1 707 942-9900, [44]. Small plates and a wide range of local and imported wines from 4PM daily.

These restaurants have separate bar service areas for still more nightlife options.

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